tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787Sun, 04 Oct 2015 00:03:44 +0000veneeringmotorcycle carvinglime woodlimewoodCarving in progressCastrol HondaHonda RC45Aaron SlightCagiva C591Eddie LawsonFurnitureSycamoreCarl FogartyLotusPearPine woodValentino Rossiacrylic paintsbedbicyclesun graphicsAngelsBackgammon boardBimota Tesi 1DEthiopian artGaudiHonda NSR 500HorseKing DavidLeonardoLeopard deskLion bedMick DoohanSt GeorgeSt MarkSycamore leafTiger bedbowlchest of drawersdovefigure carvingmoon graphicsveneering techniquesCarved Curvestravels in 3 dimensionshttp://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (paul)Blogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-5862290255081066604Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:34:00 +00002013-03-16T20:34:40.948+00:00Bimota Tesi 1Dlime woodmotorcycle carvingveneeringBimota Tesi<br /><br />Here is my carving of the Bimota Tesi 1D. A very rare and exclusive Italian bike with an innovative frame and front suspension set up as you can see from the photos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itLxnNNPGyw/UUTTSHycRbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/9Qgmlrvs8L4/s1600/Bimota+Tesi+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itLxnNNPGyw/UUTTSHycRbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/9Qgmlrvs8L4/s640/Bimota+Tesi+5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>What I like most about this piece is how clearly you can see the grain of the wood working throughout the block. It demonstrates that the bike is carved from a single block of wood but gets to show how lovely the wood is and how the grain flows through it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8VZN8tpxYg/UUTTzxGPx0I/AAAAAAAAAYk/Tw31GW5j058/s1600/Bimota+Tesi+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8VZN8tpxYg/UUTTzxGPx0I/AAAAAAAAAYk/Tw31GW5j058/s640/Bimota+Tesi+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was carved around the same time as I was carving the Eddie Lawson carving. The bike is carved in Lime wood.The veneer used for the headlight is Birdseye Maple and the veneer for the logos on the side is Madrona Burr.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPIBAL635IA/UUTUL-IuLMI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Q-NtHxCHRb8/s1600/Bimota+Tesi+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPIBAL635IA/UUTUL-IuLMI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Q-NtHxCHRb8/s640/Bimota+Tesi+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV8EaSh_0JI/UUTViPfJXXI/AAAAAAAAAYw/YjPazwmca_g/s1600/Bimota+Tesi+7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV8EaSh_0JI/UUTViPfJXXI/AAAAAAAAAYw/YjPazwmca_g/s640/Bimota+Tesi+7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W02_RteOqcY/UUTWEx60M7I/AAAAAAAAAZA/dbpzoOMFAzQ/s1600/Bimota+Tesi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W02_RteOqcY/UUTWEx60M7I/AAAAAAAAAZA/dbpzoOMFAzQ/s640/Bimota+Tesi.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2013/03/bimota-tesi.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-484319436493480247Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:34:00 +00002013-01-16T03:12:21.777+00:00acrylic paintsCagiva C591Eddie LawsonHonda NSR 500lime woodlimewoodMick Doohanmotorcycle carvingPine woodMick Doohan, my first in-the-round carving.<br />This was my first fully in-the-round 3D carving, as opposed to the relief carvings I had done up until this point.<br /><br />This is Mick Doohan on a '91 Honda NSR500 in classic Rothmans colours which is, in my humble opinion, one of the best paint jobs ever seen on a race bike. Mick had to climb over the front of the bike to get as much weight over the front as possible to help it steer as the Honda at the time was well known for wanting to go in a straight line. The Suzuki 500 and especially the Yamaha 500 were know for their handling but the Honda was the fastest but just didn't want to handle. This shaped the way Mick rode and produced that iconic style of his, having to muscle his bike into doing what he wanted it to do.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5qyImcl3fY/UNSdI_fUfEI/AAAAAAAAAWU/zwtFMAPfcuI/s1600/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5qyImcl3fY/UNSdI_fUfEI/AAAAAAAAAWU/zwtFMAPfcuI/s640/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was my first attempt at a realistic figure and didn't work too well. This is where I first came across all the considerations of carving in the round and the pitfalls and complications of juggling all the elements together. It is tough, but it is also so rewarding. As it was carved in pine wood, there isn't a great deal of detail but in my defence I never knew how it was going to end up or how far I could go with it. I was pleased at the time though. The painting of it with acrylic paint hid a lot of the shortcomings of the carving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most people who saw it at the time had no idea it was carved in wood or that I had even made it! They thought it was a cast object and that I'd bought it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0vysuswzic/UNSc_YlftDI/AAAAAAAAAWE/kIjkR1gPJoU/s1600/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0vysuswzic/UNSc_YlftDI/AAAAAAAAAWE/kIjkR1gPJoU/s640/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You don't have to look too hard to see how rough around the edges it is. After this, I used Lime for the next bikes and it made such a difference. This pictures below are of the next bike carving I did, Eddie Lawson on the Cagiva C591 carved in Lime and you can see how much tidier and crisper the carving is, especially in the out of the way places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AG_OSCsaBvo/UNSmk7tYbaI/AAAAAAAAAX4/2CQPI49I_z0/s1600/DSC_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AG_OSCsaBvo/UNSmk7tYbaI/AAAAAAAAAX4/2CQPI49I_z0/s640/DSC_1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNhhND1YUdQ/UNSk6mUdg5I/AAAAAAAAAXM/g0oSoLrM4ko/s1600/Eddie+Lawson+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNhhND1YUdQ/UNSk6mUdg5I/AAAAAAAAAXM/g0oSoLrM4ko/s640/Eddie+Lawson+6.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">These pictures illustrate the different riding styles of Eddie and Mick.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taYVy3eLh2k/UNSdOoSpAGI/AAAAAAAAAWc/INKbImzl7nE/s1600/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taYVy3eLh2k/UNSdOoSpAGI/AAAAAAAAAWc/INKbImzl7nE/s640/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+4.jpeg" width="428" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjKgwmzd4_Y/UNSdFGzfMWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/xby5hOQj5DY/s1600/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjKgwmzd4_Y/UNSdFGzfMWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/xby5hOQj5DY/s640/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;This was carved in Pine wood, which I think isn't good wood to carve with. It doesn't hold detail very well, it is very hard to get tight straight lines as the different qualities of the dark and light grain of the wood makes it hard to cut accurately.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzAv-zwLyo/UNSdUIWDOWI/AAAAAAAAAWk/XDuv6MQY2GQ/s1600/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+unfinished.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzAv-zwLyo/UNSdUIWDOWI/AAAAAAAAAWk/XDuv6MQY2GQ/s640/Michael+Doohan+NSR+500+unfinished.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;The darker element of the wood is very hard and the grain can change direction around it so you can be carving a line and all of a sudden, what was going with the grain suddenly changes and becomes against the grain and so the wood tears. You then have to recut the wood to get rid of the tear. This can cause problems especially if you are doing a relief carving as you'll have to go over a lot of the carving again to get an even depth over the surface, and the more you recarve to even off the surface, the more opportunities the wood has to misbehave and change direction on you again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;This may not be too important unless you are doing a piece where accuracy and clean surfaces are important. If you're going to paint it, it may be possible to use filler to hid some of the inconsistencies.<br /><br />You can see how simple the carving of the Mick Doohan is and how the painting of it hid how simple it is. You can compare it to the Eddie Lawson pictures above and see how much better Lime is for details and crispness. It is also a much nicer looking wood and could be left unpainted and oiled whereas the Pine Mick Doohan carving doesn't really work without the paint. The great Rothmans paint scheme definitely helps raise the finished look of it as well.http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/12/mick-doohan-my-first-in-round-carving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-2387206167102834682Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:32:00 +00002012-12-21T17:02:54.213+00:00bedchest of drawersFurniturePine woodTiger bedTiger Bed<br /><br />This was my first piece of furniture, the Tiger Bed. Carved in Pine, which isn't very good wood to carve with, and constructed in a style not too dissimilar to beds found in ancient Egypt.<br /><br />The layout is much simpler than the Lion bed (see right hand menu). It was painted mainly with woodstains but I used oil paint for the nose and teeth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some pictures during the later stages of construction. These pictures are before the bed had been waxed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxhraCdZO-Q/UNHjhALnNWI/AAAAAAAAAUg/U-G2Hjz0Pvk/s1600/Tiger+bed+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxhraCdZO-Q/UNHjhALnNWI/AAAAAAAAAUg/U-G2Hjz0Pvk/s640/Tiger+bed+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3829WOAwX8/UNHjpxvmgDI/AAAAAAAAAUo/pY2swkXm7RI/s1600/Tiger+bed+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3829WOAwX8/UNHjpxvmgDI/AAAAAAAAAUo/pY2swkXm7RI/s640/Tiger+bed+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;Here is the finished bed in the bedroom along with a chest of drawers that accompanied it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0sFPmijgO8/UNHjxuSsWOI/AAAAAAAAAUw/7keJWxK_4uU/s1600/Tiger+bed+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0sFPmijgO8/UNHjxuSsWOI/AAAAAAAAAUw/7keJWxK_4uU/s640/Tiger+bed+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the accompanying chest of drawers, again constructed and relief-carved in Pine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6BW5HRqe4/UNHn17GNDQI/AAAAAAAAAVM/qk7P132rILM/s1600/Chest+of+drawers+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6BW5HRqe4/UNHn17GNDQI/AAAAAAAAAVM/qk7P132rILM/s640/Chest+of+drawers+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeqhXmncwPk/UNHoCNC-bvI/AAAAAAAAAVU/hgRivaTDqco/s1600/Chest+of+drawers+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeqhXmncwPk/UNHoCNC-bvI/AAAAAAAAAVU/hgRivaTDqco/s640/Chest+of+drawers+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnyx85fh7t8/UNHoQBT78iI/AAAAAAAAAVc/bhdw1EDo0uY/s1600/Chest+of+drawers+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnyx85fh7t8/UNHoQBT78iI/AAAAAAAAAVc/bhdw1EDo0uY/s640/Chest+of+drawers+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR2x-Yzeblk/UNHoWEzNJ4I/AAAAAAAAAVk/OlpQbRD6zXE/s1600/Chest+of+drawers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR2x-Yzeblk/UNHoWEzNJ4I/AAAAAAAAAVk/OlpQbRD6zXE/s640/Chest+of+drawers.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Tiger, prior to being captured!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9SFvUTYYW4/UNHjTVqyuKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/J0fAQ9g5izo/s1600/Tiger+bed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9SFvUTYYW4/UNHjTVqyuKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/J0fAQ9g5izo/s640/Tiger+bed.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/12/tiger-bed.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-6971939738752987293Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:04:00 +00002012-11-02T14:56:40.060+00:00bicycleCarving in progressLotusPearSycamoreveneeringChris Boardman Lotus Type 108: the carving Although there aren't too many elements to this particular bicycle, it's the delicacy of the carving that made it trickier than I'd anticipated.I hadn't carved anything that was as fragile all over as this before. There is always a brief period as I begin a carving where, because working to individual commissions I usually haven't carved the subject before, I have to figure out how to deconstruct the block down to the subject matter in a way that safeguards all the details and fragile elements I've planned without getting too lost or making fatal mistakes.<br />&nbsp; It dawned on me very soon after starting this carving that it was going to get very fragile very quickly and would be impossible to sand smooth unless I approached it systematically. The answer was to carve it from the top down so the bottom of the block was nice and thick and supported the delicate carving as it unfolded. The carving would have to be sanded smooth with details already finished before much of the lower parts had got going.<br />&nbsp; This isn't how I'd usually finish a piece as sometimes I'd make a breakthrough with a detail or with a particular element on a carving which would take the carving to a level I hadn't thought I could achieve. Now the whole carving would need to come up to that level in order to not let the breakthrough show up the rest as being not so well developed. I try to make sure that all of the carving works at the same level. A consistent level of finish throughout a piece helps it to stand in it's own space, hold a consistent reality within itself and work as a sculpture.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I couldn't do that with this piece as by the time the carving has finally revealed itself, it was too delicate to change anything.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWoTH1-Mw68/UI_adF6QppI/AAAAAAAAASo/sNarGOPKkDI/s1600/Lotus+6.1+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWoTH1-Mw68/UI_adF6QppI/AAAAAAAAASo/sNarGOPKkDI/s640/Lotus+6.1+beginning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />Here is the beginning. The block of Pear wood with the technical drawing on the side and the basic outline cut. Pear is lovely wood to carve, much like Lime in that it can hold fine details and has an even grain and isn't too prone to fracturing or crumbling. It is also quite creamy; that's the best way I can think to describe it. It's harder than Lime but there is a very satisfying feel to cutting through it, it behaves well and looks beautiful when it's just been cut.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTRimsEINCc/UI_cdVtlHAI/AAAAAAAAASw/9-ERQlRlT9w/s1600/Lotus+6.2+beginning.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTRimsEINCc/UI_cdVtlHAI/AAAAAAAAASw/9-ERQlRlT9w/s640/Lotus+6.2+beginning.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The saddle had to be finished first, with the detailing underneath complete before the stalk could be thinned down. So far the profile has been refined and the rear wheel has been somewhat thinned but not too much yet, as force has still to be applied higher up and it would break low down on the wheel if it was too thin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTTu2LXHCQ/UI_dmXqVzCI/AAAAAAAAAS4/1rzqPfcX8mA/s1600/Lotus+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTTu2LXHCQ/UI_dmXqVzCI/AAAAAAAAAS4/1rzqPfcX8mA/s640/Lotus+6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here, the saddle has nearly been finished and the handlebars have been approximately picked out. The rear wheel is also much slimmer as less force will be acting through it from work above. Also beginning to thin the front wheel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E30oXDqPY3s/UI_e0e5CGvI/AAAAAAAAATA/tfhjhU8n8ZY/s1600/Lotus+7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E30oXDqPY3s/UI_e0e5CGvI/AAAAAAAAATA/tfhjhU8n8ZY/s640/Lotus+7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now the saddle has been pretty much finished so the saddle stalk can be thinned out and the body/chassis of the bike can be refined and sanded. The back wheel can proceed further as less force will act through it and the front wheel retains enough thickness to hold the carving together. Starting to come together and the beginnings of how it will look are starting to appear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F00v0YWvEQY/UI_gGUebXNI/AAAAAAAAATI/wjFd2DtvObQ/s1600/Lotus+6.3+mid-carve.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F00v0YWvEQY/UI_gGUebXNI/AAAAAAAAATI/wjFd2DtvObQ/s640/Lotus+6.3+mid-carve.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may notice the little tongue of wood connecting the pedal to the back of the front wheel. This is to protect the pedal from breaking off while it's being worked on. You'll notice more of these on other carving-in-progress photographs on this blog. These little tongues don't come off until the last possible moment when you have pretty much finished the carving and have only to finish carving the edge of the pedal before final sanding and oiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhFBvf3dSoo/UI_iA-vy32I/AAAAAAAAATQ/7uNCE-he6Vw/s1600/Lotus+6.4+mid-carve.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhFBvf3dSoo/UI_iA-vy32I/AAAAAAAAATQ/7uNCE-he6Vw/s640/Lotus+6.4+mid-carve.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here you can see, top left, the edge of the veneered lettering which also had to be applied before finishing. You can see how unfinished the front wheel still is in this picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;And so, to the finished carving....The Lotus Sport Type 108 ridden by Chris Boardman to win the individual pursuit Gold Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dp9-KvFajk/UI_jdVs2pEI/AAAAAAAAATY/7D_HYJvjai8/s1600/Lotus+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dp9-KvFajk/UI_jdVs2pEI/AAAAAAAAATY/7D_HYJvjai8/s640/Lotus+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finished with Danish oil and inlaid with Maple veneer. Mounted on a Sycamore base. 31cm in length.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCGHgDewFic/UI_lSkBtq1I/AAAAAAAAATg/Q-r-ZHU4oeg/s1600/Lotus+3+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCGHgDewFic/UI_lSkBtq1I/AAAAAAAAATg/Q-r-ZHU4oeg/s640/Lotus+3+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7OlWiErU4/UI_llBy3wsI/AAAAAAAAATo/leqyc7KbohA/s1600/Lotus+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7OlWiErU4/UI_llBy3wsI/AAAAAAAAATo/leqyc7KbohA/s640/Lotus+5.jpeg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dztwxk_lbtg/UI_mJaSOvcI/AAAAAAAAATw/KUWtdj4u_2c/s1600/Lotus+8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dztwxk_lbtg/UI_mJaSOvcI/AAAAAAAAATw/KUWtdj4u_2c/s640/Lotus+8.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think you can see now what I mean by delicate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDJLbeLyns/UI_mXehcjnI/AAAAAAAAAT4/OAPUAxkjwiM/s1600/Lotus.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDJLbeLyns/UI_mXehcjnI/AAAAAAAAAT4/OAPUAxkjwiM/s640/Lotus.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it. Ridiculously delicate, will actually break if leaned over too far but delicate pieces like this are definitely carvable if you carefully think through a safe way to proceed. If it is possible in 3 dimensions, then it should be possible to carve it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/10/lotus-carving-process.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-552171448688890878Fri, 21 Sep 2012 20:13:00 +00002012-10-31T14:20:06.927+00:00Carl FogartyCarving in progressCastrol HondaHonda RC45lime woodmotorcycle carvingveneeringCarving Carl FogartyHere are some of the photos of Carl Fogarty's carving from the beginning. You can compare them to the Aaron Slight carving by clicking "carving in progress" on the right hand menu.<br /><br />I start with a technical drawing taken from photos of the bike. Castrol Honda were kind enough to allow me to photograph their bikes at the press launch and test days and get up close and personal with these extraordinary race bikes. The sound alone of these bikes, ticking over, warming up is amazing. V4 engines are simply the best sound in bike racing in my humble opinion and at the time these were at the cutting edge of V4 race engines on earth. Spine tingling!<br /><br />&nbsp;Anyway, I digress. Here is Carl making his very first appearance as a Honda WSB rider. In his hand is my 1 metre measuring stick, which I also used alongside the bikes to make sure that everything on the bikes and the riders is in relative proportion. Carl was distracted that day (hence no smile) by the foul weather scuppering the chance of getting his first ride in anger on the bike and by the constant attentions of the press. This was at the height of "Foggymania", and Carl was the hottest property in bike racing (Mick Doohan had already consolidated his dominance in GP's). Carl had just switched from the all conquering Ducati squad to take on the more temperamental but exquisite Honda RC45. The pressure to do well on the Honda was enormous but it was chucking it down with rain so it wasn't worth the risk going out just to circulate slowly. But Carl wanted to get going!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa5HpttGFAM/UFyYKD5UPxI/AAAAAAAAAPk/QlO5IubmERE/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+Donnington+press+day.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa5HpttGFAM/UFyYKD5UPxI/AAAAAAAAAPk/QlO5IubmERE/s640/Carl+Fogarty+Donnington+press+day.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><br />Asking him to stand around with a stick in his hand wasn't high on his list of things to do that day. He was, though, a gentleman and didn't refuse although I'm not sure he understood my somewhat vague explanation as to why I'd asked him to do it.<br /><br />Here is one of my reference photos to help get good relative proportions for the bike and rider. Photos like this are very valuable in getting foot length, ankle and wrist thickness', waist and forearm measurements relative to the bike. This is vital for the visual accuracy of the piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVXhLKKR5zo/UFyg1Wcxo1I/AAAAAAAAAP8/zkuK1aduHE8/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+Donnington+press+day+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVXhLKKR5zo/UFyg1Wcxo1I/AAAAAAAAAP8/zkuK1aduHE8/s640/Carl+Fogarty+Donnington+press+day+2.jpeg" width="624" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqpmUFeeg8/UFyjZeY5OsI/AAAAAAAAAQU/N4xDGs11Co4/s1600/Aaron+Slight+and+Carl+Fogarty+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqpmUFeeg8/UFyjZeY5OsI/AAAAAAAAAQU/N4xDGs11Co4/s640/Aaron+Slight+and+Carl+Fogarty+beginning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So from these photos would come the technical drawing which you can see drawn onto the side of the &nbsp;lime block. That is the Aaron Slight carving in the early stages in the background. On it, you can see how the various elements, wheel and swing arm, exhausts have been whittled down only provisionally. It's vital to make as much space as possible between all the components and the figure but not to cut them so close to final size as to leave the surface vulnerable to tool damage as you dig out all the little spaces in between.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3J4RnrBY-qI/UFymFtAGQUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/sdSHwoYFVLU/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3J4RnrBY-qI/UFymFtAGQUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/sdSHwoYFVLU/s640/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In these photos, you can see that the bike is very well developed in comparison to the figure as I need to know exactly where the handlebars and footrests are in order to locate exactly where the feet and hands are. That way, I can then whittle down the limbs and make space to carry on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JE0mmD-NU/UFy2ky5suOI/AAAAAAAAARE/BxyAs-S2COw/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JE0mmD-NU/UFy2ky5suOI/AAAAAAAAARE/BxyAs-S2COw/s640/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So gradually all the waste wood around the limbs can be removed and the figure begins to come into focus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWsjIB9_ylY/UFy3tgGNVsI/AAAAAAAAARM/_rfDSFSdh-c/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWsjIB9_ylY/UFy3tgGNVsI/AAAAAAAAARM/_rfDSFSdh-c/s640/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pR4pAAKCBTo/UFy34WNb0hI/AAAAAAAAARU/DAeAiNwOig0/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pR4pAAKCBTo/UFy34WNb0hI/AAAAAAAAARU/DAeAiNwOig0/s640/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7pztA6jQ9g/UFy79qrN0FI/AAAAAAAAARs/ZTVilLdvkoU/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7pztA6jQ9g/UFy79qrN0FI/AAAAAAAAARs/ZTVilLdvkoU/s640/Carl+Fogarty+early+stages+6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the last of the development photos. From this point, the figure was finished and all the veneers were applied. It was then sanded smooth with wet and dry paper and finally oiled with Danish oil. Which takes us to the finished carving.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALIv-4Kwmvo/UFy9TB9Px5I/AAAAAAAAAR0/rJabJC-uGBg/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALIv-4Kwmvo/UFy9TB9Px5I/AAAAAAAAAR0/rJabJC-uGBg/s640/Carl+Fogarty+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUzxXJP34o/UFzAwL1KsuI/AAAAAAAAASM/NDHf0MVfsTM/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUzxXJP34o/UFzAwL1KsuI/AAAAAAAAASM/NDHf0MVfsTM/s640/Carl+Fogarty+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/09/carving-carl-fogarty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-3588988969192535625Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:23:00 +00002012-08-07T00:23:46.288+01:00bicycleLotusPearLondon OlympicsWith the Olympics taking place here in London at the moment, I thought this might be a suitable piece to show you, what with the success of the GB team and Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France. This is a commission of the Lotus bicycle that Chris Boardman used to win Gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W65xtpemkCw/UBs4H6LOgoI/AAAAAAAAAPE/9c0t69cDFgM/s1600/Lotus+3+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W65xtpemkCw/UBs4H6LOgoI/AAAAAAAAAPE/9c0t69cDFgM/s640/Lotus+3+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;I thought when I started the carving that it wouldn't be too difficult as there weren't too many elements to it but I hadn't carved anything so delicate before and didn't realise that the delicacy was to be the overriding consideration in making the piece. Caved from a single piece of Pear wood and inlaid with Maple, 31cm in length.<br /><br />I'll post photos shortly, describing all the stages of the carving from a block through to the end.http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/08/london-olympics.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-6825613042350122423Fri, 03 Aug 2012 02:18:00 +00002012-10-31T14:22:45.485+00:00Aaron SlightCarl FogartyCastrol HondaHonda RC45lime woodmotorcycle carvingveneeringCarl Fogarty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is a carving of Carl Fogarty, in Lime, the companion piece of the Aaron Slight carving. Carl, for those viewers among you not familiar with him,is a legend of World Superbike racing, winning 4 World Superbike Championships as well as 3 other world championships and also held the Isle of Man outright lap record for years. I think this commission was due in no small part as a celebration of Carl riding for the team.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX7Uow5Filo/T_282B3--_I/AAAAAAAAANc/OOrMisSK5Z4/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX7Uow5Filo/T_282B3--_I/AAAAAAAAANc/OOrMisSK5Z4/s640/Carl+Fogarty+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Here they are, together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyHAO-6Uy9c/UBssBosYqZI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tkEUbJsiqyw/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyHAO-6Uy9c/UBssBosYqZI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tkEUbJsiqyw/s640/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />You can see the difference in body positioning, as I've written about on a previous post. You may also notice the different shaped brake levers on the handle bars of the two bikes. No much of a difference admittedly but the team would notice these things (Aaron had mangled his little fingers in a crash years before so used a shorter lever so his little fingers wouldn't get snagged on it). When I'm carving identical bikes, these little details do help the sense of achievement and completion when they're handed over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ohStpgN2x0/UBsvNs0yDKI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JIAyq7w6Q_k/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ohStpgN2x0/UBsvNs0yDKI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JIAyq7w6Q_k/s640/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One detail I was particularly proud of was a shark with spiky teeth, wearing sunglasses,veneered onto the back of Carl's crash helmet. Difficult to see clearly in this photo, but the shark is only about 6-7mm high.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDQHMJhd5VY/UBswFvrN4aI/AAAAAAAAAOk/QMesu4ri42g/s1600/Carl+Fogarty.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDQHMJhd5VY/UBswFvrN4aI/AAAAAAAAAOk/QMesu4ri42g/s640/Carl+Fogarty.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alvJDYL0Y0k/UBsyJZR6kZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/XNte6AFDv1g/s1600/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alvJDYL0Y0k/UBsyJZR6kZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/XNte6AFDv1g/s640/Carl+Fogarty+and+Aaron+Slight+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will post some of the early stages of the Carl Fogarty carving soon.</div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/08/carl-fogarty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-8936187834040904993Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:22:00 +00002012-07-18T00:24:42.732+01:00FurnitureLeopard desklime woodLeopard deskJust a quick post. This is one of the accompanying pieces to the Lion bed. The desk isn't finished in these pictures. It was changed after this so that the leopards were painted and carved on the inside as well. The surface depth of the desktop was increased by around 40cm and then the drawers had the eyes and nose of a leopard carved and painted on them quite large so that it looked like a leopard was looking through a letterbox at you. Only a thin slice of the face was portrayed. I don't, unfortunately, have photos of the finished desk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFqGv4sKGRo/UAXssxRdARI/AAAAAAAAANo/nWDa4vW0-I0/s1600/Leopard+desk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFqGv4sKGRo/UAXssxRdARI/AAAAAAAAANo/nWDa4vW0-I0/s640/Leopard+desk.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The desk lived in London initially but I believe it may have ended up in Colorado along with the Lion bed. Carved in Lime.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOkbrNerKiI/UAXt6y0EC9I/AAAAAAAAANw/deOGSMelYJA/s1600/Leopard+desk+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOkbrNerKiI/UAXt6y0EC9I/AAAAAAAAANw/deOGSMelYJA/s640/Leopard+desk+6.jpeg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the background is another piece, the chest of drawers, also part of the set. I didn't get to decide how it was illustrated or finished and felt it didn't match the rest of the furniture. It has Savannah scenes carved on the front and sides. I think it needed colour or greater depth to work alongside the bed and desk (as well as shelves with golden eagles at each end and a bedside cabinet with meercats on the front). Not one of my favourite pieces.</div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/07/leopard-desk.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-1366506976144128701Sun, 01 Jul 2012 02:45:00 +00002012-07-05T18:04:33.833+01:00Backgammon boardbowlGaudilime woodSycamoreveneeringMore early works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here are a couple more of my early pieces. The bowl was a commission. It was the first time I'd used veneers, to add a bit of interest to the surface. I'd recently been to Barcelona at the time and was inspired by Gaudi's mosaics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8tLfqG5Y4I/T--uL8E5PPI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Yy6juEXHr3A/s1600/Bowl+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8tLfqG5Y4I/T--uL8E5PPI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Yy6juEXHr3A/s400/Bowl+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The grooves around the edge were determined by following the grain of the wood. The veneers followed the grooves. This can be seen more clearly underneath.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7M84yd_I0k/T--tXl7w-iI/AAAAAAAAAM0/atiDBzeETvo/s1600/Bowl+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7M84yd_I0k/T--tXl7w-iI/AAAAAAAAAM0/atiDBzeETvo/s400/Bowl+5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtIMEflvU7w/T--sSiZs0BI/AAAAAAAAAMs/LwkQ3wAnlGI/s1600/Bowl+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtIMEflvU7w/T--sSiZs0BI/AAAAAAAAAMs/LwkQ3wAnlGI/s400/Bowl+6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bowl was carved in lime wood and inlaid with various veneers, finished in walnut oil. Approximately 50cm in length.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOhTMerNhL8/T--2FuWbu8I/AAAAAAAAANI/JNoHttsXsYc/s1600/Backgammon+board+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOhTMerNhL8/T--2FuWbu8I/AAAAAAAAANI/JNoHttsXsYc/s400/Backgammon+board+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp;The backgammon board followed soon after as I'd wanted to explore veneering some more. There is a much clearer influence from Gaudi in this piece, the central divide having been taken from his chimney designs, the edges were influenced by his balconies and the mosaics again informed the way the veneers were applied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxGhTY0jUU/T--2TXJKBrI/AAAAAAAAANQ/C4mfuXT9Vnw/s1600/Backgammon+board.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxGhTY0jUU/T--2TXJKBrI/AAAAAAAAANQ/C4mfuXT9Vnw/s400/Backgammon+board.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The board was carved from a piece of Sycamore with a variety of veneers, most notably the yew inlaid in the playing surface.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;It's approximately 55cm in length and finished in Danish oil. It went to Germany. There is also a little curvy box to keep the counters and dice in. I'll post pictures of it soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/07/more-early-works.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-5893614743753295023Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:19:00 +00002012-06-29T01:32:49.694+01:00acrylic paintsAngelsdoveEthiopian artKing DavidlimewoodSt GeorgeSt MarkSycamoreSycamore leafEarly days of carving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I first began carving after mentioning to someone that I'd studied sculptor and photography at art college. They were after a series of carvings so I said I would have a go at them. I bought a book on woodcarving,got hold of the chisels the book recommended and got started. The first carvings I did were relief carvings, wall mounted work. Here are some of my first pieces. The dove and the St George were part of that first series, based on 12 words which it was left up to me to interpret.They were among the last of that series and I'd gained some experience of carving by the time I came to do these two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwgEGKFSP7Y/T-p8aAVgGrI/AAAAAAAAALE/trc3qnghaqI/s1600/St+George+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwgEGKFSP7Y/T-p8aAVgGrI/AAAAAAAAALE/trc3qnghaqI/s640/St+George+2.jpeg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>St. George and the Dragon, from a painting in Gondar, Ethiopia. Carved in Lime wood, approximately 50 cm in height and painted in acrylics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qzsCTkTtL0/T-p91OEIP3I/AAAAAAAAALM/s9HZ2blQIiI/s1600/Peace+dove.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qzsCTkTtL0/T-p91OEIP3I/AAAAAAAAALM/s9HZ2blQIiI/s400/Peace+dove.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dove, carved in Lime wood, approximately 50 cm wide, painted in oils.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbtG2jOV7Uk/T-p-7E-dhjI/AAAAAAAAALU/Dbk6mw9rQ6E/s1600/King+David.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbtG2jOV7Uk/T-p-7E-dhjI/AAAAAAAAALU/Dbk6mw9rQ6E/s400/King+David.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">King David, taken from a detail of an Ethiopian painting, carved in Lime wood, approximately 10 cm high, painted in acrylics. This went first to the foothills of Kilimanjaro. I think it's in Addis Ababa now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqBd9pR8Bz0/T-p_7bLezII/AAAAAAAAALc/t1RHbE7qg88/s1600/Lalibela+angels+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqBd9pR8Bz0/T-p_7bLezII/AAAAAAAAALc/t1RHbE7qg88/s400/Lalibela+angels+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taken from paintings on the ceiling of a church in Gondar,Ethiopia. Carved in Lime wood, approximately 10 cm high, painted in acrylics. Now in West Virginia. The Byzantine influence is clear in some of these pieces but with a sweet twist with the Ethiopian style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O758ii0CEAQ/T-qBUfPCUqI/AAAAAAAAALk/ex0VVKq0CyQ/s1600/Lalibela+angel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O758ii0CEAQ/T-qBUfPCUqI/AAAAAAAAALk/ex0VVKq0CyQ/s320/Lalibela+angel.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hA9S--6Tw0Y/T-qBft5lPTI/AAAAAAAAALs/lx1XCkGC5LI/s1600/Lalibela+Angel+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hA9S--6Tw0Y/T-qBft5lPTI/AAAAAAAAALs/lx1XCkGC5LI/s320/Lalibela+Angel+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More angels from the ceiling of Debre Birhan Selassie Church in Gondar Ethiopia. Carved in Lime wood, approximately 10 cm high,painted in acrylics. These went to a gallery in Amsterdam. From there, who knows...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fliT7Sy_FLQ/T-qDpwsK2xI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ouC_vD6DrQA/s1600/%2522Grace%2522+Sycamore+leaf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fliT7Sy_FLQ/T-qDpwsK2xI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ouC_vD6DrQA/s640/%2522Grace%2522+Sycamore+leaf.jpeg" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWw20mvjdBg/T-qD_1xYcwI/AAAAAAAAAL8/NNX7Ea9x9yY/s1600/%22Grace%22+Sycamore+leaf+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWw20mvjdBg/T-qD_1xYcwI/AAAAAAAAAL8/NNX7Ea9x9yY/s640/%22Grace%22+Sycamore+leaf+2.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This wall carving was a commission for a lady who, after many years and nearly giving up hope, finally had the child she so wanted. Her daughter was called Grace for that reason. I carved this Sycamore leaf in Sycamore wood as it suited the colour of an autumn leaf, as she only had her daughter &nbsp;in the autumn of her fertile years. Now in Dorset, I think. &nbsp;Lettering painted with gold metallic paint. Approximately 35-40 cm wide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_OykN9_Z3c/T-qH3pCQpLI/AAAAAAAAAMI/m-vf_wbUCSM/s1600/St+Mark+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_OykN9_Z3c/T-qH3pCQpLI/AAAAAAAAAMI/m-vf_wbUCSM/s640/St+Mark+3.jpeg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkOcGGiEcCU/T-qIJfyR2rI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kJkW1t8FcU8/s1600/St+Mark+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkOcGGiEcCU/T-qIJfyR2rI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kJkW1t8FcU8/s640/St+Mark+2.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">St Mark, taken from an Ethiopian painting, carved in Lime wood, painted in acrylics. Approximately 30 cm high. Now in Dulwich, south London.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More early work to follow..........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/06/early-days-of-carving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-118675073619851063Sun, 10 Jun 2012 02:46:00 +00002012-09-21T17:03:09.797+01:00Aaron SlightCarving in progressCastrol HondaHonda RC45limewoodmotorcycle carvingveneeringAaron Slight, starting from the block....This is Aaron Slight on a Honda RC45, commissioned by the Castrol Honda World Superbike Team. Carved in lime wood.<br />Here is a record of the progress from a block of lime wood through to the finished piece.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QIVqlI-0H0/T9PWPItqd6I/AAAAAAAAAI8/VNmXwO9Htik/s1600/Aaron+Slight+beginning+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QIVqlI-0H0/T9PWPItqd6I/AAAAAAAAAI8/VNmXwO9Htik/s400/Aaron+Slight+beginning+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Starting with a technical drawing of the bike, as I've mentioned before, I trim the profile closely, leaving a couple of millimetres spare to allow for tool damage and changes but close enough to that should I loose the drawing on the side, I won't be too far away from working out where I am.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp;It is a representation of a specific bike so there is no room for error. All the elements have to fit together in order for it to be a success. As it is for the team, all the mechanics know the bike inside out and would spot mistakes immediately. No pressure then!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diW4U5izYn8/T9Pad8SkCTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/xS7TBG7gCnA/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diW4U5izYn8/T9Pad8SkCTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/xS7TBG7gCnA/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Where there is room for interpretation is with the rider and his position on the bike. Again, though, each rider has a particular style which is easily identifiable. Aaron, in this instance, crouches forward over his bike through turns, leading with his shoulder (very similar to GP legend Mike Doohan), putting weight over the front of the bike to help it turn. You'll be able to compare it to the companion carving of Carl Fogarty on his bike. You'll see he has a more upright style. Pictures soon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvL9QknoPeA/T9PhjxPecEI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_0C2uTPMn8Q/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+2.2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvL9QknoPeA/T9PhjxPecEI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_0C2uTPMn8Q/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+2.2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The bike has to be carved first to get the thicknesses and component positions right. It would be disastrous to decide the position of his feet or his backside only to later on find them hovering in space. So as much of the bike is carved as I can get to before I start on the figure, but as much of the waste wood around the figure must be removed to gain access to as much of the bike as possible. It's a delicate balance between making progress and jumping the gun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh8wfoJ20m4/T9Pil0JYkTI/AAAAAAAAAJk/EKL0NQWMzuY/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3.2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh8wfoJ20m4/T9Pil0JYkTI/AAAAAAAAAJk/EKL0NQWMzuY/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3.2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI6Pgv8GYGg/T9Pi4w2TJOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/cpBgUAOtTMo/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3.25.jpeg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK5xiPyyERI/T9Pteuy1R0I/AAAAAAAAAKA/XuNT3LWXBkA/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3.26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK5xiPyyERI/T9Pteuy1R0I/AAAAAAAAAKA/XuNT3LWXBkA/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3.26.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb5wq7ajpgQ/T9Ptr7LF2hI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Lvx5R0QksU0/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb5wq7ajpgQ/T9Ptr7LF2hI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Lvx5R0QksU0/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bit by bit, all the waste wood is removed and the sculpture starts to work. The movable clamp helps to get the riders position in the right place, his helmet angle in relation to the lean able of the bike.Once the finer details of the bike have been picked out, the hands and feet can be located accurately to the handlebars and foot pegs and the arms and legs can be better defined as their position becomes more apparent.It's too easy at this stage to decide too early where the limbs are and how large they are.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; This carving was completed long before I started using clay models to plan carvings. This is something I've only just got into doing as my work gets more ambitious or complicated and the time spent on the clay model would justify the extra time involved in the total time for a piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFX1k4T9qs/T9Pxrhbu4EI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FcbKNO-oUOQ/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFX1k4T9qs/T9Pxrhbu4EI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FcbKNO-oUOQ/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+3+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJj1AA5Y-w0/T9Pz60EVb8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/Z8_J9I9tov8/s1600/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJj1AA5Y-w0/T9Pz60EVb8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/Z8_J9I9tov8/s400/Aaron+Slight+early+stages+5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eventually, the carving work is complete and the veneering work begins. Put simply, I dig out holes in the carving and put different colour veneers in. Unfortunately, I don't have photos of this for this carving.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, to the finished work. Here is how the carving turned out, veneered, sealed with danish oil and mounted on a mahogany base.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOaflQOse9g/T9P14E0PvaI/AAAAAAAAAKk/QLeSHrBke-A/s1600/Aaron+Slight+1.2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOaflQOse9g/T9P14E0PvaI/AAAAAAAAAKk/QLeSHrBke-A/s400/Aaron+Slight+1.2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Slight on the Castrol Honda RC45 carved in Lime wood</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMHmSyNIeXo/T9P3RK_Lp_I/AAAAAAAAAKs/vz0RK2S1vXY/s1600/Aaron+Slight+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMHmSyNIeXo/T9P3RK_Lp_I/AAAAAAAAAKs/vz0RK2S1vXY/s400/Aaron+Slight+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wJ2H7sHMKw/T9P3aLom0mI/AAAAAAAAAK0/fc53sg6Dqhc/s1600/Aaron+Slight+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wJ2H7sHMKw/T9P3aLom0mI/AAAAAAAAAK0/fc53sg6Dqhc/s400/Aaron+Slight+4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This carving and the accompanying carving of Carl Fogarty are on display at Honda UK's race headquarters in Louth, Lincolnshire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll show the carving of Carl Fogarty and some of the preparatory work soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/06/aaron-slight-starting-from-block.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-4105213882450894374Mon, 28 May 2012 10:15:00 +00002013-01-19T06:28:32.578+00:00bedFurniturelimewoodLion bedThe Lion sleeps every night.Now, some furniture. The Lion bed. Carved in limewood with various wood stains.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wNb6n04z4w/T8NExdUVWeI/AAAAAAAAAIE/MCOjRckgPpU/s1600/Lion+bed+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wNb6n04z4w/T8NExdUVWeI/AAAAAAAAAIE/MCOjRckgPpU/s640/Lion+bed+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Thought you might like a change from bike stuff. I'm rather proud of this and have been itching to get it on the blog. Around 8ft (2.5m) long and 5ft (1.5m) wide, weighing about 1/3 of a ton! Commissioned for a little boy of about 4 who, when standing next to it, only came up to the lion's forehead.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mg3S82EBRYs/T8NGSC9zkkI/AAAAAAAAAIM/hireXQANa1Q/s1600/Lion+bed+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mg3S82EBRYs/T8NGSC9zkkI/AAAAAAAAAIM/hireXQANa1Q/s640/Lion+bed+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There are no sharp edges so it can be climbed all over without getting hurt or breaking bits off. I didn't go for a cartoon-style lion so he could grow up with it and not be embarrassed by it as he got older.Apparently he had constant streams of friends over to show it off. Well, if you've got it...... As you can see, there are hidden drawers which are opened by grabbing the tail.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUtm4Fvd3BU/T8NIRt4_ytI/AAAAAAAAAIU/L-mx6l8-eQU/s1600/Lion+bed+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUtm4Fvd3BU/T8NIRt4_ytI/AAAAAAAAAIU/L-mx6l8-eQU/s640/Lion+bed+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />There are other pieces that go with this, a chest of drawers, desk, shelves and a bedside cupboard, some of which I have no photos of. A shame as the bedside table had meercats on the front and you had to pull on one of them's nose to open the drawer. I'll show more photos of the bed and some of the other pieces soon.<br />This photo below will give you a sense of scale.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwWAbv83zCA/T8NOyoaItjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/zVF0hwtNFuU/s1600/Lion+bed+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwWAbv83zCA/T8NOyoaItjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/zVF0hwtNFuU/s400/Lion+bed+1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/the-lion-sleeps-every-night.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-8154908561272854057Fri, 25 May 2012 02:20:00 +00002012-05-28T13:02:50.895+01:00Aaron SlightCagiva C591Carving in progressCastrol HondaEddie LawsonHonda RC45limewoodmotorcycle carvingveneeringEddie Lawson, sideways.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex2aagnuS80/T77Y4-5Xj9I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Ume3_FhdQ6I/s1600/Eddie+Lawson+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex2aagnuS80/T77Y4-5Xj9I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Ume3_FhdQ6I/s640/Eddie+Lawson+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jisOXyIMDqI/T77ZxKMJxTI/AAAAAAAAAHY/weZdtDhcswo/s1600/Eddie+Lawson+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jisOXyIMDqI/T77ZxKMJxTI/AAAAAAAAAHY/weZdtDhcswo/s640/Eddie+Lawson+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Eddie Lawson (on the Cagiva C591), carved in lime,viewed from the side and front this time. &nbsp;You can see clearly the veneers &nbsp;applied to the bike. The number boards and Cagiva logo are done in Maple, Agip logo in birds eye Maple and Ebony (which is a nightmare as it blunts the knife almost immediately) and &nbsp;Madrona and stained Maple for the helmet.The bike is approximately 33cm long.<br /><br />At the time I began this, the Cagiva was the most beautiful race bike to ever grace a track. A few weeks after I started it, they launched the C593 which was even more beautiful, much more curvy but I had already taken off too much wood to adapt it to the new one. Still, it's a beautiful bike and it turned out well anyway.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfCgb3CqaYY/T77dxg1u76I/AAAAAAAAAHk/THKxlt4I5-E/s1600/Aaron+Slight+beginning.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfCgb3CqaYY/T77dxg1u76I/AAAAAAAAAHk/THKxlt4I5-E/s400/Aaron+Slight+beginning.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This, if you were wondering whether I assemble these bikes out of separate pieces, is a photo of the beginning of a carving. This is the start of a carving of Aaron Slight on a Honda RC45 commissioned by the Castrol Honda World Superbike Team together with a carving of Carl Fogarty. I start with a technical drawing of the bike and dive in very cautiously from there.<br />I've only recently begun to sculpt in clay first before carving. Here, I just got on with it,fraught with anxiety at making fatal errors early on, which is very easy to do. Gung ho and accuracy are uneasy bedfellows<br /><br />&nbsp;I just get the silhouette quite close before starting on the widths. However, I leave a couple of millimetres spare to soak up damage from tools and inaccuracies early on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVMkvlC4nkY/T77gPDqp5xI/AAAAAAAAAHw/I7QP5CCWOBk/s1600/Aaron+Slight+beginning+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVMkvlC4nkY/T77gPDqp5xI/AAAAAAAAAHw/I7QP5CCWOBk/s400/Aaron+Slight+beginning+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll show you more of the stages of how it developed into the finished article (below) soon.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bkDSdR8LTA/T77iX7Y2nbI/AAAAAAAAAH4/AL7SmqfiKko/s1600/Aaron+Slight+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bkDSdR8LTA/T77iX7Y2nbI/AAAAAAAAAH4/AL7SmqfiKko/s200/Aaron+Slight+4.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/eddie-lawson-sideways.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-4142631123223140820Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:00 +00002012-05-28T00:47:57.808+01:00Cagiva C591Eddie Lawsonlimewoodmotorcycle carvingveneeringEddie Lawson carved in Lime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sm97oSSyDM/T7ERPPvPG8I/AAAAAAAAAHE/8G51b05q_w8/s1600/img093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sm97oSSyDM/T7ERPPvPG8I/AAAAAAAAAHE/8G51b05q_w8/s640/img093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a carving of Eddie Lawson on a Cagiva C591, carved from a single piece of Limewood and inlaid with maple, redwood, myrtle and ebony on a mahogany base <br /><br />I'll show more pictures of this and some of the other bikes I've carved as the blog goes on.http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/eddie-lawson-carved-in-lime.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-7630388367944493762Sun, 13 May 2012 05:29:00 +00002013-04-18T01:26:01.036+01:00moon graphicssun graphicsValentino Rossiveneeringveneering techniquesValentino's leg, the ongoing saga<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9Y7QMs2Uk/T6yZ6sPDK2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/s-W4Zi62-gg/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9Y7QMs2Uk/T6yZ6sPDK2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/s-W4Zi62-gg/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DkeZz7Zvm8/T6yMdw2X7-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/8ilKo7jD9d0/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DkeZz7Zvm8/T6yMdw2X7-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/8ilKo7jD9d0/s400/DSC_0121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;One leg finished, or maybe not. I haven't veneered anything for years so I've been reacquainting myself&nbsp; with the technique as I've been going along. I may come back to this if I think I could improve it or tidy it up without causing unnecessary damage.It's always the way; by the time I finish I'll have the skill to begin.!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUumHUNwoao/T6yRH_YpkiI/AAAAAAAAAEU/RGT5Zhxzg8k/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUumHUNwoao/T6yRH_YpkiI/AAAAAAAAAEU/RGT5Zhxzg8k/s400/DSC_0122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So, onto the other leg. This is a graphic of the moon which looks hideously tricky to approach. I'm starting with the main block of colour on the face and all the features can be laid over it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ME6op7_jY/T6yT3uegw-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUCSbK3Vr5Q/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ME6op7_jY/T6yT3uegw-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUCSbK3Vr5Q/s400/DSC_0124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9Y7QMs2Uk/T6yZ6sPDK2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/s-W4Zi62-gg/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;Some wood veneers are very brittle and break or crumble when cut down to very small pieces so sometimes, as is the case with the red veneer around the side of the face, you need to put the woods that can be re cut and overlaid upon on first. The red wood will be surrounded with dark Indian Rosewood which is very brittle when it's cut into thin lines. Had I put it on first and tried to put the red veneer down the middle afterwards,I think it would crumble. Well, that's the theory I'm sticking to today, you'll know shortly if it works.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BY3SixgsjvM/T6yWVijmc-I/AAAAAAAAAFM/bZnga0-TLWQ/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BY3SixgsjvM/T6yWVijmc-I/AAAAAAAAAFM/bZnga0-TLWQ/s400/DSC_0125.JPG" width="400" /></div><a name='more'></a>The recess has been cut for the veneer, then glued in and afterwards sanded. I use wet and dry paper sandpaper myself, graduating up to 400 grit. Any finer than that, in my experience, leaves very fine granules of dark grit lodged in the fibres which makes the wood look dirty.&nbsp; <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9Y7QMs2Uk/T6yZ6sPDK2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/s-W4Zi62-gg/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9Y7QMs2Uk/T6yZ6sPDK2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/s-W4Zi62-gg/s400/DSC_0126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Final result. (Can ya tell what it is yit?)<br /><br />By the way, I've taught myself to do this so if there is anyone reading this who's been trained to do this properly and can offer advice, don't hesitate....... <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/valentinos-leg-ongoing-saga.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-740580652917181934Sat, 12 May 2012 01:02:00 +00002014-03-20T17:28:36.095+00:00HorseLeonardoWaving, not sanding.I have many different carvings over the years that I want to put on this blog but carving generally is a slow business. It's very exciting at first, starting a piece, not knowing how it will eventually turn out, how well it may go. I want each piece I make to be better than the last, regardless of subject matter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9-KxuLVuLU/T62XDWgNzMI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Fn9ri_xbE_Y/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9-KxuLVuLU/T62XDWgNzMI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Fn9ri_xbE_Y/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><br />However, after the initial work, when the general shape has appeared, it becomes more methodical, slowly whittling down each element watching that I don't go too far, too thin, concentrating too much on one area without constantly relating to every other area. Little by little, all the elements slowly meld together to a point where I'm finally considering the sculpture as a whole. Now it gets exciting again, seeing the piece hinting at how it might end, but also at a point where ruin is a much more present possibility.<br /><br />Anyway, point is,carvings take ages and following my progress on the veneers on Valentino's leg may begin to feel like watching paint dry. So I'll introduce some of my work interspersed with progress on the veneers. &nbsp; <br /><br />Here is a horse anatomy study, carved in Limewood, taken from a plaster cast of a horse study when I did a term at the City and Guilds of London Art College many moons ago. This particular sculpture crops up all over the place.It may have gained popularity with the fashion for plaster casts two centuries ago around Europe which gave us such treasures as the cast rooms at the Victoria and Albert Museum.I've seen a copy at the Leighton House Museum.&nbsp; If you google "horse anatomy sculpture"&nbsp; various versions appear, I think most notably the Leonardo da Vinci horse in Grand Rapids, Michigan which seems to me to be the same pose but beefier and with skin.It may well be that the sculptor of the original may have been inspired by Leonardo's drawings for his giant bronze horse Il Cavallo <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKJ1nN9ZuU0/T62sNHKKdbI/AAAAAAAAAGw/EyuAKwH6nso/s1600/img097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKJ1nN9ZuU0/T62sNHKKdbI/AAAAAAAAAGw/EyuAKwH6nso/s400/img097.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp; My carving isn't finished, interrupted by commissions and not returned to. I usually sand down my work as I generally aim at a sculpture that looks like the subject first and recognition of the material it is made in second. I don't like the "chiselly-sculpty" whittled look as a rule. Wood is a beautiful, warm and alive material and, in my humble opinion, doesn't need to have the gouged effect to reinforce that&nbsp; it is carved wood.<br /><br />&nbsp;Having said that, because I usually sand my work, I wanted this horse to have all the tool marks and try my best to hide them with deft and nifty handwork LOL.Not there yet though. Lots of work still to do, but it's been so many years, I'd prefer to leave it as an unfinished study lurking on a shelf waving a powerful hoof in the air.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P8kOmGoUTU/T62uLaXjZRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/eJUdzuW8WkU/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P8kOmGoUTU/T62uLaXjZRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/eJUdzuW8WkU/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/waving-not-sanding.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6646252999952671787.post-5675545502542541546Wed, 09 May 2012 19:17:00 +00002014-06-10T02:08:14.904+01:00figure carvingsun graphicsValentino RossiveneeringEntering the digital age with a chisel and a malletFriends have told me to get online so finally I've taken the plunge and started this blog to put some of my sculpture out into the digital world.I've been sculpting,mainly in wood, for over 20 years and have carved a variety of different subjects over the years, relief carvings, animals, furniture. What I've chosen up until now to concentrate on is motorcycle racing as I've have had an interest in bike racing for many years (in fact, racing runs in the family ).I wanted to do contemporary carving rather than restoration or apeing older styles. After all, all the old styles were contemporary once! So I mixed the two together to see where it might go. <br /><br />So let's just jump in to what I'm working on at the moment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gVbHTPSNUU/T6q2-OW0ziI/AAAAAAAAACE/l48mJNrM_WM/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gVbHTPSNUU/T6q2-OW0ziI/AAAAAAAAACE/l48mJNrM_WM/s400/DSC_0371.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlOs0CWAs-Y/T6q3vfZ0cwI/AAAAAAAAACM/xsC5UajnNwo/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlOs0CWAs-Y/T6q3vfZ0cwI/AAAAAAAAACM/xsC5UajnNwo/s400/DSC_0173.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>At the moment I'm veneering some graphics onto a figure I've been carving. This is a carving of Valentino Rossi, the MotoGP rider. This is my first portrait carving and has taken an age to complete.Getting it right without getting it wrong and learning to sculpt faces has made this the most challenging piece I've ever undertaken.The eyes have yet to be veneered and the hair will be stained and then the whole figure will be oiled.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OawDAH3kyzw/T6qg0zKU_9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/4ZyiM6Vlcp8/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OawDAH3kyzw/T6qg0zKU_9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/4ZyiM6Vlcp8/s400/DSC_0097.JPG" height="400" title="Valentino Rossi figure sun graphics veneering" width="265" /></span></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsY-51NGHXM/T6qf5YV3xEI/AAAAAAAAABw/_UGWsp0Sh9s/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsY-51NGHXM/T6qf5YV3xEI/AAAAAAAAABw/_UGWsp0Sh9s/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;This is Valentino Rossi, carved in Limewood standing 91cm in height. The veneers you can see are Yew for the face, Madrona burr for the suns rays and Indian Rosewood for the dark facial details.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The elements are built up bit by bit. Its not possible to create the whole image and afterwards apply it. The curve of the leg alters the relationship between each piece so they must be custom-fitted to match to it's neighbour then the hole is carved out to sink it into.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F55OOGmLDY0/T6q92Bz01yI/AAAAAAAAACY/Ads_bMiHjaE/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F55OOGmLDY0/T6q92Bz01yI/AAAAAAAAACY/Ads_bMiHjaE/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSQWSYIWOTo/T6q_MZKz-wI/AAAAAAAAACg/FKZoAhzqV_c/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSQWSYIWOTo/T6q_MZKz-wI/AAAAAAAAACg/FKZoAhzqV_c/s400/DSC_0103.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Almost finished.http://carvedcurves.blogspot.com/2012/05/entering-digital-age-with-chisel-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (paul)4